London trio in race to sign Everton youngster

onJuly 15, 2014

John Stones has garnered significant praise over the last 12 months, and Everton could face a battle on their hands to retain his services for next year as a result, reports Metro. The Englishman is being monitored by Arsenal and Chelsea, whilst Tottenham Hotspur are lining up an official bid for him.

Stones broke into the Everton side last year following injury to Phil Jagielka. In the senior Englishman’s absence, the youngster emerged as a really exciting future prospect for both his club and country. He was never included in Roy Hodgson’s final 23 man squad, but he was part of the reserves list, and he was asked to stay with the squad until the eve of the tournament.

Tottenham are lining up a swoop for Stones in order to provide their team with a little more stability at the back. Jan Vertonghen could be leaving the club this summer, as could Michael Dawson. Younes Kaboul has proven injury-prone within recent seasons, and the jury at White Hart Lane is still out with regards to Vlad Chiriches.

Stones has proven himself as a dependable player already, and his youth and potential could particularly excite Spurs fans. Their new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, is a well-known developer of young talent, and a working relationship between he and Stones could prove to be a particularly effective one. Arsenal and Chelsea remain in the race to sign him, but first-team football looks more likely to be granted to Stones at Spurs.